NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - Four National Art Honor Society members created portraits of Syrian children they would not meet but found a connection through art. The North Salem High School students used only names, ages, favorite colors, and a photograph to paint the beautiful likenesses as gifts for the children.
"We're helping them feel important and appreciated by giving them their portrait that we spent so much time making," said sophomore Sean, who chose a red background to match his subject's favorite color. "This will be something I'll remember doing forever; I want to do it again."
"It's great that I get to share something I love with other people across the world," said sophomore Finn. Thinking of her seven-year old recipient, she added, "I hope it makes her feel happy; I hope she enjoys it."
This was Sean and Finn's first time participating in The Memory Project, a not-for-profit program that fosters global citizenship through art. The program utilizes creativity to promote kindness and empathy and help all young people see themselves in others, regardless of differences. The portraits serve as meaningful personal histories for the subjects while exposing art students to global issues.
"There's something beautiful about knowing that there is someone out there whom you haven't met but who is thinking about you and how you're doing," said senior Lawrence. "This project is about letting them know that 'you are a valuable, beautiful person, and I want to show you that.'"
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